Skip to main content
March 13, 2025
Question

I lost money in NovatechFx Ponzi scheme, can I file Form 4684

  • March 13, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views
This happened in 2022, there has been no legal settlements.

    1 reply

    March 13, 2025

    You can claim a casualty loss deduction using Form 4684 for Ponzi scheme losses; however, the issues of when the qualifying theft occurred and the relevant dollar amounts can be quite complex. 

     

    The TurboTax in-program guidance at a Learn More link in the Casualty Loss section states:

     

    "We're sorry to hear about this loss. Unfortunately, this type of loss can be particularly complicated for tax purposes, and in many situations the tax treatment depends on factual determinations best handled by an attorney. TurboTax does not support tax losses from investment fraud. We recommend consulting a tax professional if you've experienced this situation."

     

    The IRS Instructions for Form 4684 explain how to report a theft loss deduction for a Ponzi-type investment scheme. 

     

    The IRS provides two items of guidance to help taxpayers who are victims of losses from Ponzi-type investment schemes:

     

    • Revenue Ruling 2009-9 PDF provides guidance on determining the amount and timing of losses from these schemes, which is difficult and dependent on the prospect of recovering the lost money (which may not become known for several years).
       
    • Revenue Procedure 2009-20 PDF simplifies compliance for taxpayers by providing a safe-harbor means of determining the year in which the loss is deemed to occur and a simplified means of computing the amount of the loss.

    See this IRS webpage for more information for taxpayers affected by Ponzi scheme losses.

     

     

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"